Ankit Siwach, known for his role in the series “Kull” and soon to be seen in “Madam Driver,” has spoken candidly about LGBTQ+ representation in Indian cinema, emphasizing that “Change doesn’t happen overnight.”
In a recent conversation, Siwach highlighted the importance of portraying queer characters with empathy and realism, stressing that tokenism should never be the goal. He believes that authentic storytelling is crucial for accurately reflecting the lived realities of the LGBTQ+ community on screen.
Siwach acknowledged the positive shift in Indian cinema, where queer stories are moving beyond stereotypical portrayals to offer more layered and humanized representations. He sees this evolution as vital for the validation and visibility of underrepresented communities.
When addressing whether the greater challenge lies in breaking stereotypes on-screen or off-screen, Siwach stated that it’s both. He emphasized that for true change, the values of awareness, empathy, and genuine understanding must be reflected both in the performances by actors and in societal attitudes off-screen.
Regarding why conversations around LGBTQ+ issues are often considered uncomfortable in India, Siwach offered a balanced perspective, noting that “India is an incredibly diverse country with deep-rooted traditions and varying belief systems.” He believes that education and continued dialogue are key to bridging this gap.
He also praised recent films like “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan,” “Badhaai Do,” and “Taali,” along with earlier titles such as “Aligarh” and “Kapoor & Sons,” for successfully bringing queer narratives into the mainstream. According to Siwach, these films not only achieved commercial success but also sparked meaningful conversations.
Ankit Siwach’s perspective serves as a timely reminder that while visibility is growing, achieving true and respectful representation requires continued effort, depth, and authenticity.
